Levi Zook – Zooks Kennel

Upon routine unannounced kennel inspection on May 3, 2022, and review of kennel records, warden viewed that the kennel owner surpassed the Kennel Class II non-commercial kennel type in 2021 by transferring ownership of more than 60 dogs throughout the 2021 calendar year, 63 total transfers. The definition of “commercial kennel” in Section 102, together with the establishment of different categories of commercial licenses in Section 206(a), establish that a kennel must have one of the enumerated commercial licenses in order to transfer more than 60 dogs a year. By inference, a “Kennel Class II” may transfer up to 60 dogs a year but no more.

Warden viewed that the kennel owner surpassed the Kennel Class II non-commercial kennel type by transferring ownership of more than 60 dogs throughout the 2021 calendar year. There was no upgrade kennel application submitted to the Department within 7 days of that date. The definition of “commercial kennel” in Section 102, together with the establishment of different categories of commercial licenses in Section 206(a), establish that a kennel must have one of the enumerated commercial licenses in order to transfer more than 60 dogs a year. By inference, a “Kennel Class II” may transfer up to 60 dogs a year but no more. Zook’s Kennel violated the Dog Law when it transferred the ownership of three dogs, 1 dog on December 16, 2021 and 2 dogs on December 17, 2021. Specifically, it did not have “the appropriate license” when it transferred the 61st, 62nd, and 63rd dog(s) in 2021.

There were multiple dogs where the records did not show the dates that dogs were transferred to new owners or the full name and physical address of the person or kennel to whom the dog was dispensed.

Wardens viewed a build-up of cobwebs throughout the shop area kennel that housed puppies.

Wardens noted all dogs in the main kennel did not have access to potable water during this inspection.

Wardens viewed more than six adult dogs in the same primary enclosure.

The written program of veterinary care was not established at the time of this inspection.

Wardens noted the absence of a smoke detector in the main kennel building and shop kennel.

Wardens viewed multiple primary enclosures in the kennel facility that did not provide the minimum amount of floor space as calculated by this section.

The kennel owner failed to have all dogs examined by a veterinarian at least once every six months.

A written certification under the signature and seal of a professional engineer was not present.

Without a written certification from an engineer, this warden was unable to make the minimum inspection of assuring that the proper mechanical ventilation, auxiliary ventilation, or humidity control system was installed or operational.

Without a written certification from an engineer, it was unknown to this warden if a proper mechanical ventilation system was installed to meet the standards required by this chapter.

Wardens noted the absence of a carbon monoxide detector in both kennel buildings that occupied dogs.